Emergent identity formation and the co-operative: theory building in relation to alternative organizational forms

Abstract

How are identities of alternative forms of organization constructed and how does this process differ relative to normative forms socially expected? In this research we consider identity formation in cooperatives , a population of organizations allied globally through values and practices such as democratic participation, voluntary and open membership, and limited return to capital investment. As an extension of current thinking on identity formation in entrepreneurship and organizational theory, we use cooperatives to explore social expectations and institutional arrangements around form at the societal, population, and organizational levels using a population ecology framework. We develop a research agenda based on propositions that address specific features of identity formation in less typical forms of organization, including tensions with normative business expectations, engagement with identity audiences, embeddedness in networks and alliances, structural factors influencing identity, and identity ambiguity.

The member wears Four Hats: A member identification framework for co-operative enterprises

“…This purpose can shape the nature of the interactions between a CME and its members. Further, the ability of the board and management to fully engage with the membership so as to strengthen loyalty and commitment, is likely to depend on how well they can align the CME's identity with the roles and values of its members (Nelson et al, 2016).…”

“…The assumption in this framework (illustrated in Figure 1), is that the development of a strong and effective MVP is likely to require attention to all four "hats". Membership may begin with patronage and hopes of investment returns, but loyalty will be retained and strenghtened through the development of a sense of ownership and values congruence between members and their CME, plus a common sense of purpose and affective commitment (Jussila et al, 2012;Nelson et al, 2016).…”

“…The level of member identification with the CME's democratic process is related to the frequency of use of CME services and commitment to its causes (Birchall and Simmons, 2004). Further, it has been suggested that a member's desire to remain a member can be promoted through increasing member identification with the CME (Jussila et al, 2012;Nelson et al, 2016).…”

Cooperative Essence and Entrepreneurial Quality: A Comparative Contextual Analysis

“…Lastly, conventional firms establish relationships with their workers through work contracts and subordination. However, in the case of worker cooperatives, on which this article is focused, workers can play the role of their partners in the firm (Hwang et al 2001, Núñez-Níquel and Moyano-Fuentes 2004, Birchall and Ketilson 2009, Marcuello and Nachar 2013, Nelson et al 2016.…”

“…In this sense, when developing their business activity, cooperatives reveal their social approach since the values and principles on which they are based, such as solidarity, equity, social justice and commitment with the environment, constitute a series of guidelines that place human beings before capital. Therefore, in addition to economic value, cooperatives generate social value (Burdin and Dean 2009, Moore and Kraatz 2011, such as by the generation of social cohesion and higher levels of job satisfaction and trust (Rothschild-Whitt and Whitt 1986, Zeuli and Radel 2005, Avey et al 2012, Nelson et al 2016.…”